Iglesia de Santa Ana Medal (1961)

This silver medal, dated 1961, commemorates the Church of Santa Ana, one of the many historic temples that dot the country and that over the centuries have been the center of the religious and social life of their communities.

Mexico is a land of enormously rich religious architecture, the legacy of three centuries of viceroyalty during which churches, convents, and chapels rose across the territory. Medals dedicated to temples were usually struck for founding anniversaries, restorations, or patronal feasts.

These pieces of religious subject form a devotional chapter within Mexican medal-making, tied to popular piety and to the identity of neighborhoods and towns. Struck in silver, this medal joined that tradition of leaving a testimony in metal of places of faith. The work of minting fell to the medal workshops of the period.

The "Iglesia de Santa Ana" medal was struck in 1961. It is made of silver, measures 35.99 mm in diameter, and weighs 16.69 grams.

As a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (16.69 grams). Above that, what pushes it higher is condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Iglesia de Santa Ana). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Iglesia de Santa Ana," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it had them: they add collector value.

Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints.